United Utilities has picked KMI, a joint venture between Kier, J Murphy and Interserve Project Services, for a storm water improvements contract.

KMI will build a 3.5km tunnel 30m below ground to the west of Preston complete with eight tunnel shafts. The tunnel will be capable of holding 40 million litres of water to prevent overflows discharging to the River Ribble.

Five sewer overflow shafts and a new terminal pumping station will also be constructed. There will be a new tunnel crossing of the River Ribble near the Clifton Marsh Treatment Works.